Bucket of Fun

Mason is something else, I tell you. I can’t believe the difference between 2 years and 2 1/2 years. These last six months have been wild with lots of changes, primarily with the introduction of Owen who was born a short 3 weeeks after Mason’s second birthday.

I remember the emotions I had when I found out I was pregnant with Owen were mixed ones. I was thrilled to be having another child for Mason to grow up with, but I was also scared and sad that Mason would have to share me with something else. From the first time I laid eyes on Mason he has been my sunshine; how in the world was I going to manage to keep up that love and devotion with another baby, and how in the world could I love another child as much as I do Mason?

Over the course of the 9 month pregnancy, I made the most of every minute, fearing he would feel rejected when the new one arrived. I contemplated not nursing Owen just to be able to have more time with Mason. For Mason, the transition to big brotherhood wasn’t easy. I remember when he came to visit me and Owen in the hospital, he didn’t really want to get to close and Josh had to put him on the bed with me. I was certain this was going to be our reality for the next 18 years. I felt rejected and conflicted.

As the first month of Owen’s life sped by, Mason would pull on me for attention or to play right when Owen would need to eat, it would seem. Half of my postpartum tears were guilt from not giving Mason all the time I once had for him. However, it slowly started improving. Owen started to show his personality through his smiles and kicks of excitement. Mason picked up on that right away. What seemed like an eternity for me emotionally was a flip-of-the-switch for Mason.

Now Mason and Owen are in love with one another. No one can make Owen smile like Mason and Mason is extremely protective of his Owen. I explain the joy I feel from seeing them play together, even though it is limited with Owen only being 5 months old today. These two boys are perfect!

Mason is still my silly, smart, and adorable boy. He is spontaneous and surprises me with his wit. His imagination in full operation and I love playing Thomas the Train with him as we scoot our trains to the imaginary Steamworks under our dining room table. Every flower he sees, dandelions and all, he goes over to smell them and tells them they are “So beautiful”! Every puddle must be splashed, every rock is his pirate treasure, and every worm tickles his hands. He continues to be my sunshine, it just so happens he shines on us all and I don’t mind sharing.